When an ordinary person practices karate, ordinarily, for many years, he can become an expert. The key is to not lose interest, be lazy, or stop practicing.

— Akio Minakami

Since 1968, Minakami SHIHAN has helped thousands of students find success in karate and life.

It is Shihan's goal to teach traditional Japanese Karate and to pass his knowledge on to dedicated students who will learn and enjoy the techniques and attitudes of the true martial artist. He pursues this goal teaching at his Seattle Karate dojo, and also by traveling the world to teach martial arts seminars and perform demonstrations.

In 1983 Minakami Shihan received his Shihan Certificate from both Japan Karatedo Hayashi-Ha Shitoryu-Kai and from the Federation of All Japan Karatedo Organization - FAJKO.

Shihan means "master instructor" and only those with the highest levels of skill in both the art of Karate and the vocation of teaching, are awarded this honor. Minakami Shihan is a dedicated and enthusiastic practitioner and teacher of Karatedo. He is also the President of Japan Karatedo Hayashi-Ha Shitoryu-Kai USA and the first person to receive unanimous approval from the governing body of Karatedo in Japan, for certification as Shihan.

8th Dan, Karate, from Hayashi-Ha Shitoryu-Kai

7th Dan, Karate, from the Federation of All Japan Karatedo Organization